Was going to take the car for a ride the other day and I tried to start it but the key would not engage the starter and the key won't come all the way back so I can not get my key out of my ignition.Would that be the cylinder issue or something else

 

Is the backdrive linkage in place and adjusted properly? If the collar on the steering column has vibrated out of place or is not indexed properly due to misadjusted linkage, it can cause this problem. Of course, so can a bad switch, bad lock cylinder, or binding rack and linkage in the column. The collar is the easiest thing to check first.

 

Try grabbing the collar and rotating it manually to see if it will move enough to allow the key to turn.

 

My 76 has the same issue other than not starting, I have the buckets with console shifter so I have to turn the collar/column in order to get my key out every time, just as the guys mentioned above.
Eric

 

So either the backdrive rod is missing or out of adjustment. That's an easy fix.

 

Thanks for pointing this out to us Joe, I don't think my rod is missing, out of adjustment well maybe.
I have been turning the column for a few years now it hasn't been that big a deal but I should crawl under the car and have a looksie.
Your knowledge is always welcomed and appreciated here.
Cheers
Eric

 

Hey, that's a simple anti-theft device. Well, maybe not so much anti-theft as something to prevent the kids, the wife, your buddies, etc from taking your car without you knowing about it.